Feb 20, 2016

Senior Researcher & Head of the Mali Project


Location:  Mali/Sweden
Expiration Date: 29 Feb 2016

SIPRI seeks a dynamic and experienced individual to work as Senior Researcher and Head of the Mali Project.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. SIPRI provides excellent opportunities for scientific and personal development. SIPRI is an equal opportunity employer.

Since 2009, SIPRI has been implementing projects to strengthen African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in their role in shaping peace and security policies in several sub-Saharan African countries. The Mali Project works on the project 'Targeted civil society contributions to national and local post-conflict policies to address the safety and security challenges for the population in Mali', which is a follow-on to a previous project to support civil society contributions to peace, security and development in Mali. The project is innovative in its attempts to combine research and lobbying, promote social mobilization and scholarly reflection, understand conflict and build peace. It is conducted in partnership with a Malian coalition of CSOs and seeks to adhere to strong local ownership approach. Funding for this project has been provided by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).

Leadership Role

SIPRI seeks a dynamic and experienced individual to work as Senior Researcher and Head of the Mali Project. The Head of Project will be responsible for:
Conceptualization and development of projects related to the role of civil society in the consolidation of peace and security in Mali, in collaboration with the partner organisation.
Supervising and overseeing the implementation of project activities.
Overall project management and development.
Planning and supervising research activities related to the project.
Outreach and communications related to the project.

Competencies required

The successful candidate will have
The ability to conceive, design and implement innovative capacity-building and research-supporting projects.
Proven management and fundraising experience.
Experience in policy analysis on peacebuilding and security sector issues.
In-depth knowledge of the history, political, security and economic developments in Africa, especially francophone West Africa.
A track record of successfully implementing collaborative projects.

The Head of the Mali Project will have the exceptional opportunity to build from the strengths, networks and global reputation already in place for SIPRI and its work on Mali.

The position will involve frequent travel to Mali.

Required skills and experiences
The successful candidate will have:
A PhD or other higher degree in areas of relevance for peace, conflict and security in Africa, with an emphasis on Africa studies /West Africa highly desirable.
A minimum of five years of experience at a senior level in academic research and/or policy related work in this field, including a strong record of high quality (including peer-reviewed) publications.
A deep understanding of Sahel security issues, especially with regard to civil society organizations, non-traditional and transnational security challenges, regional conflict and Mali’s relations with other major players in the international system.
Demonstrated success as a team leader, including the ability to:
set and realize a strategic agenda for project development,
supervise and mentor staff,
generate external funding,
cooperate with researchers from different academic fields,
conduct media outreach, and brief relevant policy makers,
develop networks with government and non-government institutions working in this field,
communicate effectively with good interpersonal skills,
speak and write fluently in English and French (working fluency in local languages important for the field research in Mali would be helpful, but not necessary).

Contract period

Starting from 1 June 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointment will be for two years initially and is renewable. The post is full-time and the successful applicant will be expected to reside in Stockholm with frequent travel in Mali. The salary package will be negotiated individually.

How to apply
If interested in applying for this position, qualified candidates should submit a resume/CV and a one page cover letter, in both English and French to: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxx.org

Please state ‘Mali project leader’ as a reference in the subject line of your email with the application materials.
The initial closing date for applications is 29 February 2016. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.